Horses, a sympathetic ear, or a good night’s sleep. Cole Woodruff, owner of the Lazy W Dude Ranch, supplies whatever his guests need. But when Jack Harmon arrives, Cole’s own desires clamor to be met. Should he risk the ranch to satisfy what might be nothing more than an itch? And even if Jack turns out to be that special man Cole’s yearned for, is it right to move forward when a vulnerable child is involved? Not long ago, Jack was awarded custody of his son Alex after the sudden death of the boy’s mother. Out on the road for all of his son’s life, what does he know about being a dad? Sleepless nights spent worrying have worn Jack to a raw nerve. Visiting the dude ranch with Alex, Jack delights in Cole's friendship. And the way Cole’s warm, wonderful voice is so soothing, it cradles Jack to sleep whenever they’re together. Jack aches to spend every night dreaming in the big cowboy's arms. But can a lullaby last forever? Or will the dream fade when morning comes?

Cowboy Lullaby

“At the rate you’re going, he never will be. Take him up to Diamond Meadow, where it won’t be guest and ranch owner or employer and employee. It’ll be just you two as yourselves. You talk it all out with him. Then you’ll know where you stand.” She put her hands on her hips and shot the two of them a threatening glance. “Now move, both of you.”


Cole opened his mouth to argue but suddenly couldn’t figure out why on earth he should. Ignoring the feeling he’d lost control of the situation, he did as he was told. He set the food out in the dining room, poured himself some coffee, and sat with Alex and the twins and their parents until they all left.


Chapter 15